Parksville is considered the heart of Oceanside, the Vancouver Island communities stretching from Nanoose Bay in the south to Deep Bay in the north. On the northwestern edge of town facing the Strait of Georgia is the quaint marine community of French Creek. Together, Parksville and French Creek have seen a significant population increase in recent years and now host approximately 15,000 residents.
Folks of all ages are attracted by the region’s laid-back coastal lifestyle, natural beauty, and abundant recreational and cultural activities. Located on the traditional territory of the Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nations, Parksville is only 37 km north of Nanaimo and a 35-minute drive to the BC Ferries terminal leading to mainland BC. This popular vacation destination is currently undergoing a development boom to accommodate those who are choosing to stay year-round.
No matter your interest, there’s plenty to enjoy in Parksville / French Creek!
Golfers will love the many courses in the area befitting all levels of skill and budget. Options include Morningstar Golf Course, Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club, Brigadoon Golf Course, Eaglecrest Golf Club, Fairwinds Golf Club, Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, and Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club. With so many choices and the mild climate, you can be swinging your club every day of the year.
Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and standup paddleboarding along the 18 kilometres of beaches offering the warmest water on the east coast of Vancouver Island. French Creek Marina serves as a great home base for boating, fishing, diving, and all things related to marine maintenance. That’s also where you’ll find French Creek Seafood selling a wide variety of sustainably harvested, fresh-from-the-ocean shellfish and seafood.
Hiking is plentiful in the region. Stroll under the canopy of old growth forests or along the rugged coasts. Meet other nature lovers and learn about birdwatching through events organized by the Arrowsmith Naturalists. In the spring, don’t miss the chance to celebrate the thousands of Brant geese making their way from Mexico to their Alaskan breeding grounds during the Brant Wildlife Festival.
The iconic Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is known for its sandy beaches, hiking trails, and campgrounds. Lesser known is its kid-friendly mountain biking track. For more experienced mountain bikers, check out Parksville Wetlands Trail, HammerFest in Errington, Upper Laburnum Woods in Qualicum Beach, and many more regional trails. For those who prefer BMX, try Parksville’s seaside skatepark.
For a more serene recreational experience, there are many yoga and fitness studios in the area. Parksville is also home to Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, housing the award-winning Grotto Spa which offers a mineral pool, various body treatments, and tasty refreshments from Treetop Tapas.
Family-friendly activities abound in Parksville / French Creek. Explore tide pools at the beach, play a round of mini golf, or make new animal friends at a nearby petting farm. A highlight each year is Beachfest and the Sand Sculpture Competition at Parksville Community Park. But every day is an adventure with the expansive beach, playground, splash park, and open space for kiting and picnicking.
Downtown Parksville offers shops, restaurants, and services in a central location. That’s also where you’ll find McMillan Arts Centre hosting art exhibits, workshops, and events. During the summer months, the Summer by the Sea Market on Craig Street features local artisans, farmers, entertainers, and food trucks.
For a sit-down dining experience, good eats can be found at Black Goose Inn, Kalvas the Log House, Taste Taco Bistro, Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company, Realm Food Co, Pacific Prime Restaurant, and Bayside Restaurant & Lounge.
Parksville / French Creek has a range of properties suiting the needs of diverse residents. Homes range from waterfront mansions to suburban single-family residences and apartment units. There are also patio homes and manufactured home parks, popular with retirees.
More recently, the City of Parksville has encouraged the development of more affordable housing options such as condos and townhomes in the central area of town. Meanwhile, French Creek has more quiet homes organized along winding cul-de-sacs.
Vacation rentals are common in this sought-after tourist destination, providing full and fractional ownership opportunities that fit all budgets. Tigh-Na-Mara, Sunrise Ridge, and Oceanside Village are found along Resort Drive offering ocean and forest-facing properties. The Beach Club Resort is located in downtown Parksville and has 1/4 share ownership opportunities, giving you access to its spa, pool, gym, and amenities. As a bonus, Parksville’s best beachfront patio at the Pacific Prime Restaurant & Lounge is also located in the building.